Can a US citizen on a visa exemption do a border bounce in Thailand after visa expiry?

Thailand Visa Rules Visa Exemption Visa on Arrival Border Bounce Non-Immigrant B Visa Thai Immigration Expat Living in Thailand

Nov 16, 2022

2 years ago

Tom ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi. I'm a US citizen who returned to Thailand from US on a visa on arrival. The paperwork for non-immigrant B visa will not be ready before that already-extended visa expires. Can I border bounce (if that's still a thing) on weekend or must I obtain a new tourist visa at a Thai embassy/consulate? Thanks much!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user, a US citizen, returned to Thailand on a visa exemption but is facing issues with their non-immigrant B visa paperwork, which will not be ready before their current stay expires. Community members clarified that US citizens cannot enter on a visa on arrival and instead receive a visa-exempt entry for 45 days. They can extend this by 30 days or do a 'border bounce' to re-enter Thailand and obtain another 45-day visa exemption, although there are unofficial limits on how many entries can be made within a year. Users discussed providing proof of funds, accommodation, and onward travel as ways to facilitate border re-entry. Overall, it is possible to border bounce under the right circumstances.

Tom ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you very much to all who helped!

2 years ago

Stuart *********

Many people confuse the terminology between a Visa on Arrival and a visa exempt/visa waiver entry. Unfortunately although it sounds pedantic it is important because correct answers depend on the specific entry type you had.

With no visa as an American citizen you were given a free 30 day (now 45 until March ‘23) visa exempt entry.

You’ve extended that once for a total of 60 days.

You can indeed do a border bounce and you’ll get 45 days on entry. Again extendable once for a further 30 days.

You can do two visa exempt entries via land (edited as forgot to state by land) in a calendar year. No technical limit on entries by air but at some point an immigration officer will pull you aside and question you about your entry history and why you don’t have a correct visa for a long term stay. Whether that will be your second, third or sixth attempt no one can say as it’s up to the individual officer that you hand your passport to.

2 years ago

Stuart *********

@Bra****

mentioned there is no “hard and fast” limit (other than land entries). One officer may be having a bad hair day and another just won the lottery. It’s up to them to decide whether to question you or not. I personally know people that have entered 10 times or more (offshore workers or pilots in the main) that have had no issues.

If they’re going to question you they will want to know 3 things. Called the three “proofs”.

Here a post I made on them a while back. Substitute 30 day comments with 45 days for the time being).

If questioned by immigration on arrival (rare but does happen) you need to provide 3 proofs for entry into Thailand.

1. 20,000 baht cash or equivalent in a major currency. It needs to be in cash. A bank statement, credit card or phone app showing you have funds won’t suffice.

2. Accommodation booked for at least the first few days. If you’re staying with family or friends then have them write an invitation letter for you to stay at their place.

3. A ticket out of Thailand booked within the number of days your entry allows, regardless that you can get an in country extension. 30 for Exempt, 60 for Tourist Visa (although the likelihood on being asked if you have a actual tourist visa is minimal). Bus train or plane. The two former must be an international ticket out, not just to a border town where you could walk across a border.

These proofs won’t guarantee you entry as that’s at the discretion of the immigration officer, but they’re the three things they’ll generally use as a reason to deny entry.

2 years ago

Tom ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

Thank you so so much for all this! As I'm in process of attempting to obtain a non immigrant-b visa (and have most of the paperwork secured) I'm planning on working/staying in Thailand for awhile. Perhaps I could show that paperwork in lieu of ticket out of Thailand, and my apartment contract and letter with seal on it stating I do live in it instead of booked accomodaton. And of course 20,000b. Your and everyone's help greatly appreciated!

2 years ago

Stuart *********

@Tom ***********

The paperwork may help. Conversely it could potentially be a hindrance because you could get a Non B from a nearby consulate. Really can’t say which way would work better.

2 years ago

Reply to

Stuart *********

Tom ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks very much Stuart for all including terminology clarification. In 2022 I've entered Thailand 3 times- all by air: once from Cambodia and twice from US. Upon arriving into Don Muang after a weekend in Cambodia I was asked by immigration where's my Visa? I stated didn't know needed one and they stamped me in. Perhaps I've reached my limit? Also, perhaps if I can show what non-b immigration paperwork I do have- that will increase my chances of being let in? Thanks again.

2 years ago

Brandon ************

@Tom ***********

it's more of a combination of how much time you've spent in Thailand along with number of entries. If you do back to back entries and are maxing them out with extension each time, they're going be more wary than if you were here for 2 weeks and then left and came back after a month.

If you're planning on doing your border bounce by land, Laos is by far considered the best option if possible.

2 years ago

Tom ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

Thank you very much!

2 years ago

Reply to

Tom ************

Paul *******

1. US citizens are not entitled to purchase a Visa on Arrival. I assume that you received a stamp in your passport allowing you to stay in Thailand for 45 days Visa Exempt Entry. You do not have a visa. 2. You can extend your stay by a further 30 days at the Immigration office for a further 30 days. After that time, you must leave Thailand. 3. You can depart at a land border crossing to an adjoining country or fly to another country. In that country, you can apply for a tourist visa or you can return to Thailand by land or air and receive another Visa Exempt stamp which will be good for 45 days.

2 years ago

Tom ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks. I did receive a stamp in passport- although at the time in September it was 30. And I indeed extended that a further 30 days. I very much appreciate the info!

2 years ago

Reply to

Tom ************

Graham ******

You can leave and re-enter and get 45 days visa exempt AGAIN

2 years ago

Phil ********

American, US citizens never can enter LOS Visa on Arrival. 🙃

You're Visa Exempt or did you purchase a visa prior to arrival?

2 years ago

Tom ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Sorry, it was Visa Exempt.